Former Chiefs RB LeSean McCoy wants to reach 12,000 career rushing yards

Former Chiefs back LeSean McCoy is still chasing the 12K rushing yards mark.

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy has already enjoyed the rare type of production at the highest levels of football that only the most elite athletes can boast. However, he’s still hoping to top a particular mark, one that will likely put him over the top for induction in Canton.

McCoy says he’s still wanting to play in 2020 and beyond and, in an interview with NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, stated that he’s currently talking to two teams—ones he would not name. The goal after signing would be to earn enough production to eclipse the 12,000-yard mark in career rushing yards.

"“You talk about that number. That number’s 12,000,” he said of his career goal. “That’s something that I’ve always wanted to achieve. That’s big to me.”"

McCoy went on to say that he’s not solely concerned with personal goals. At this point, in fact, he’s interested in passing on what he’s learned to others as a veteran leader. He also cited fit with a team and the ability to play for a contender as key components as well.

"“You can’t go from playing with the Chiefs with all that talent and winning a championship to now just trying to play. I’m the type of guy, I want to come in a room, challenge the running backs get them better. Be a veteran leader. All the type of things I want to bring to a team.”"

Right now, McCoy is currently sitting at 11,071 rushing yards in his 11-year career. He earned that many yards on 2,447 carries, which gives him a career average of 4.5 yards/carry. He also has 73 rushing touchdowns in that span. What’s made McCoy even more dangerous is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well, as illustrated by his 503 career catches for 3,797 yards and 16 more scores.

McCoy signed with the Chiefs shortly before the regular season began in 2019 after his surprise release from the Buffalo Bills. He was the team’s leading rusher for the first half of the season but injuries and a couple untimely fumbles knocked him down the team’s depth chart. He was inactive for most of the team’s postseason run.

Will McCoy find meaningful work at this stage? It’s hard to say but he showed even last year that he can still move the chains with his elusive skill set. Some team will likely take a chance, but earning enough reps to add nearly 1,000 more rushing yards might be too tall of an order.